A patient presents with alkali chemical burn to the eye. The single most important immediate first-aid step is:
- A Copious and immediate irrigation with normal saline or water for at least 30 minutes ✓
- B Neutralization with 2% acetic acid solution to counteract the alkali
- C Topical antibiotic instillation within 1 hour of injury
- D Surgical débridement of necrotic conjunctiva
Correct answer: A. Copious and immediate irrigation with normal saline or water for at least 30 minutes
Explanation
Immediate, copious irrigation is the single most critical first-aid step for chemical ocular burns, especially alkali (which causes liquefactive necrosis and penetrates deeply). Irrigation should begin at the scene with whatever water is available and continued with normal saline (or balanced salt solution) for at least 30 minutes, targeting a post-irrigation conjunctival pH of 7.0–7.4. Neutralization with acid is dangerous (exothermic reaction). Antibiotics and surgery come later after irrigation and assessment.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.